Objective: Annual health screening inclusive of heart workup is recommended for the detection of heart diseases, especially in asymptomatic patients (no clinical signs). This study determined the occurrences of the common heart disease and the risk factors in apparently healthy cats.  Material and methods: This prospective study that screened 59 healthy cats and the status of the heart were evaluated based on a combination of findings from physical examination, electrocar­diography, blood pressure measurement, routine blood test, urinalysis, and total thyroid level.  Results: Approximately 40.7% (n = 24/59) of the apparently healthy cats were diagnosed with heart disease hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (62.5%) remains to be the most commonly diag­nosed. The mean age was 4.9-year old (age range, 7-month-old to 19-year-old). The prevalence was higher in males (45.0%; n = 17/38) cats, especially the domestic shorthairs (46.0%; n = 11/24). Among the healthy cats with vertebral heart scale (VHS) > 8.0, only 52% (n = 12/23) of them were diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. However, 33% (n = 12/36) of the cats with normal VHS ≤ 7.9 were diagnosed with heart disease. Consistently, all healthy cats with abnormal heart sounds were diagnosed with heart disease. About 31.4% (n = 16/51) of these cats with typical heart sound had cardiomyopathy too.  Conclusion: The occurrence of cardiomyopathy in apparently healthy cats has no association with the patient’s age, sex, and VHS, except for the heart sound. Echocardiography remains the best diagnostic tool, as normal heart size and normal heart sound do not exclude cardiomyopathy in this group of apparently healthy cats. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(3): 501-508, Sep 2020 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2020.g446

Objective: Annual health screening inclusive of heart workup is recommended for the detection of heart diseases, especially in asymptomatic patients (no clinical signs). This study determined the occurrences of the common heart disease and the risk factors in apparently healthy cats. Material and methods: This prospective study that screened 59 healthy cats and the status of the heart were evaluated based on a combination of findings from physical examination, electrocar¬diography, blood pressure measurement, routine blood test, urinalysis, and total thyroid level. Results: Approximately 40.7% (n = 24/59) of the apparently healthy cats were diagnosed with heart disease hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (62.5%) remains to be the most commonly diag¬nosed. The mean age was 4.9-year old (age range, 7-month-old to 19-year-old). The prevalence was higher in males (45.0%; n = 17/38) cats, especially the domestic shorthairs (46.0%; n = 11/24). Among the healthy cats with vertebral heart scale (VHS) > 8.0, only 52% (n = 12/23) of them were diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. However, 33% (n = 12/36) of the cats with normal VHS ≤ 7.9 were diagnosed with heart disease. Consistently, all healthy cats with abnormal heart sounds were diagnosed with heart disease. About 31.4% (n = 16/51) of these cats with typical heart sound had cardiomyopathy too. Conclusion: The occurrence of cardiomyopathy in apparently healthy cats has no association with the patients age, sex, and VHS, except for the heart sound. Echocardiography remains the best diagnostic tool, as normal heart size and normal heart sound do not exclude cardiomyopathy in this group of apparently healthy cats. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(3.000): 501-508]

Objective: Selenium (Se), as the form of selenite, is commonly supplemented in poultry diet, which has low bioavailability and high toxicity. Here, we compared the effects of the supplemen­tation of the diet with Se nanoparticles (nano-Se) on the growth, sexual behavior, and reproduc­tive performance (gonad size, sperm quality traits, and plasma testosterone levels for males and egg production for females) of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).  Materials and Methods: Quail chicks (n = 300) aging 14 days were divided into three groups: Group 1 (basal diet and Se at 0.2 mg/kg ration), Group 2 (basal diet and nano-Se at 0.2 mg/kg ration), and Group 3 (basal diet and nano-Se at 0.1 mg/kg ration). Several parameters relating to body weight and egg were measured. Sexual behaviors of the birds were observed by continuous visual scanning. The sperm viability, sperm morphology, and concentration of spermatozoa were determined after staining and microscopic examination. The plasma testosterone levels were determined by indirect enzyme immunoassay assay. The Se concentrations in the testicular, ovar­ian, and ration samples were measured by flame emission atomic absorption spectrophotometer.  Results: The type or concentration of nano-Se administration had no impact on body weight, feed efficiency, egg production, or egg weight. However, the total feed intake throughout the experi­ment was reduced in Group 2 at 0.2 mg/kg. Nano-Se supplementation significantly increased the sexual behavior. In general, the deposition of Se in the testicular and ovarian tissues increased with increasing supplement concentration. At the same supplement concentration, the tissue deposition of nano-Se was more enhanced than that of inorganic Se. Nano-Se supplementation improved the testicular functions by enhancing plasma testosterone level and sperm quality traits (sperm count, motility, and viability). This improvement was found more prominent with the lower supplement concentration (when comparing 0.1 vs. 0.2 mg/kg diet).  Conclusion: It is concluded that the use of nano-Se (at 0.1 mg/kg) in the ration of Japanese quail improves several reproductive performance parameters. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(4): 597-607, Dec 2020 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2020.g457

Objective: Selenium (Se), as the form of selenite, is commonly supplemented in poultry diet, which has low bioavailability and high toxicity. Here, we compared the effects of the supplemen¬tation of the diet with Se nanoparticles (nano-Se) on the growth, sexual behavior, and reproduc¬tive performance (gonad size, sperm quality traits, and plasma testosterone levels for males and egg production for females) of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Materials and Methods: Quail chicks (n = 300) aging 14 days were divided into three groups: Group 1 (basal diet and Se at 0.2 mg/kg ration), Group 2 (basal diet and nano-Se at 0.2 mg/kg ration), and Group 3 (basal diet and nano-Se at 0.1 mg/kg ration). Several parameters relating to body weight and egg were measured. Sexual behaviors of the birds were observed by continuous visual scanning. The sperm viability, sperm morphology, and concentration of spermatozoa were determined after staining and microscopic examination. The plasma testosterone levels were determined by indirect enzyme immunoassay assay. The Se concentrations in the testicular, ovar¬ian, and ration samples were measured by flame emission atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: The type or concentration of nano-Se administration had no impact on body weight, feed efficiency, egg production, or egg weight. However, the total feed intake throughout the experi¬ment was reduced in Group 2 at 0.2 mg/kg. Nano-Se supplementation significantly increased the sexual behavior. In general, the deposition of Se in the testicular and ovarian tissues increased with increasing supplement concentration. At the same supplement concentration, the tissue deposition of nano-Se was more enhanced than that of inorganic Se. Nano-Se supplementation improved the testicular functions by enhancing plasma testosterone level and sperm quality traits (sperm count, motility, and viability). This improvement was found more prominent with the lower supplement concentration (when comparing 0.1 vs. 0.2 mg/kg diet). Conclusion: It is concluded that the use of nano-Se (at 0.1 mg/kg) in the ration of Japanese quail improves several reproductive performance parameters. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(4.000): 597-607]

Objective: This study was carried out to study the influence of gender, neuter status, and training method on police dog narcotics olfaction performance, behavior, and welfare.  Materials and Methods: A total of 120 German Shepherds aged 1–3 years were used for this study. The dogs were separated into two experiments. The first experiment (32 dogs and 28 bitches) was used to study the influence of gender on olfaction and smell to narcotics in police dog perfor­mance and training methods with behavioral problems and welfare. The second experiment (30 dogs and 30 bitches) was used to study the influence of sexual status (entire or neutered) on the smelling of narcotics in police dog performance by comparing with intact dogs and bitches.  Results: We found that there were significant differences in sex in training to detect narcotics. Male German Shepherds were found to be significantly more trainable than females. Neutering causes a difference in trainability in male and female dogs. Gonadectomy had adverse effects on training. The intact male and female German Shepherds were found to be significantly more train­able than the neutered ones, and the reward-based method was found to be significantly more trainable than punishment. Dog training methods incorporated by punishment result in pain, suf­fering, emotional instability, symptoms of depression, aggression, unwanted barking, growling at other people, not under control all time, less trainability, increased problematic behavior, and decreased dog welfare.  Conclusion: Reward-based method is associated with lower lousy behavior and dogs with good behavior, such as, attachment attention behavior, dogs under the control of handler all times, higher trainability, less problematic behavior, and increased dog welfare. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(4): 655-662, Dec 2020 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2020.g464

Objective: This study was carried out to study the influence of gender, neuter status, and training method on police dog narcotics olfaction performance, behavior, and welfare. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 German Shepherds aged 13 years were used for this study. The dogs were separated into two experiments. The first experiment (32 dogs and 28 bitches) was used to study the influence of gender on olfaction and smell to narcotics in police dog perfor¬mance and training methods with behavioral problems and welfare. The second experiment (30 dogs and 30 bitches) was used to study the influence of sexual status (entire or neutered) on the smelling of narcotics in police dog performance by comparing with intact dogs and bitches. Results: We found that there were significant differences in sex in training to detect narcotics. Male German Shepherds were found to be significantly more trainable than females. Neutering causes a difference in trainability in male and female dogs. Gonadectomy had adverse effects on training. The intact male and female German Shepherds were found to be significantly more train¬able than the neutered ones, and the reward-based method was found to be significantly more trainable than punishment. Dog training methods incorporated by punishment result in pain, suf¬fering, emotional instability, symptoms of depression, aggression, unwanted barking, growling at other people, not under control all time, less trainability, increased problematic behavior, and decreased dog welfare. Conclusion: Reward-based method is associated with lower lousy behavior and dogs with good behavior, such as, attachment attention behavior, dogs under the control of handler all times, higher trainability, less problematic behavior, and increased dog welfare. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(4.000): 655-662]

Objective: In this research study, we explore the fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of palate Camelus hybrids and their parental species (dromedary and Bactrian).  Materials and Methods: We studied a sample of pictures from 27 adult skulls of pure Camelus dromedarius (n = 13), Camelus bactrianus (n = 7), and their crosses (n = 7), from two different col­lections. A set of 11 semilandmarks was located on the palatal region and was studied by means of geometric morphometric methods. The asymmetric variation was analyzed and evaluated for allometric effects, and variation among these three groups was studied using a canonical variates analysis.  Results: Among hybrids, there appeared a significantly lower amount of FA in comparison to the parental species, which may reflect the lower levels of genetic stress and higher levels of direc­tional asymmetry, which may suggest the presence of strongly transgressive mastication com­pared to pure species.  Conclusion: Camel hybrids would present increased developmental stability and better adapta­tion over those of parenteral lines. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(4): 663-668, Dec 2020 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2020.g465

Objective: In this research study, we explore the fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of palate Camelus hybrids and their parental species (dromedary and Bactrian). Materials and methods: We studied a sample of pictures from 27 adult skulls of pure Camelus dromedarius (n = 13), Camelus bactrianus (n = 7), and their crosses (n = 7), from two different collections.A set of 11 semilandmarks was located on the palatal region and was studied by means of geometric morphometric methods. The asymmetric variation was analyzed and evaluated for allometric effects, and variation among these three groups was studied using a canonical variates analysis. Results: Among hybrids, there appeared a significantly lower amount of FA in comparison to the parental species, which may reflect the lower levels of genetic stress and higher levels of directional asymmetry, which may suggest the presence of strongly transgressive mastication compared to pure species. Conclusion: Camel hybrids would present increased developmental stability and better adaptation over those of parenteral lines.

Objective: In this research study, we explore the fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of palate Camelus hybrids and their parental species (dromedary and Bactrian). Materials and Methods: We studied a sample of pictures from 27 adult skulls of pure Camelus dromedarius (n = 13), Camelus bactrianus (n = 7), and their crosses (n = 7), from two different col¬lections. A set of 11 semilandmarks was located on the palatal region and was studied by means of geometric morphometric methods. The asymmetric variation was analyzed and evaluated for allometric effects, and variation among these three groups was studied using a canonical variates analysis. Results: Among hybrids, there appeared a significantly lower amount of FA in comparison to the parental species, which may reflect the lower levels of genetic stress and higher levels of direc¬tional asymmetry, which may suggest the presence of strongly transgressive mastication com¬pared to pure species. Conclusion: Camel hybrids would present increased developmental stability and better adapta¬tion over those of parenteral lines. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(4.000): 663-668]

Objectives: Antibacterial resistance is a great concern in human and food animal medicine, and it poses a significant concern in pet animals like dogs. This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance pattern of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp., and Streptococcus spp. along with the carryover of some resistance genes in E. coli from dogs in the Chattogram metropolitan area, Bangladesh.  Materials and Methods: Rectal swab (n = 50), nasal swab (n = 50), and skin swab (n = 50) sam­ples were collected from dogs having respiratory infections, skin infections, and/or enteritis, respectively. Three types of bacteria were identified and isolated by conventional bacteriological techniques and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out against 12 antimicrobials by disk diffusion methods. Six resistance genes, namely blaTEM, blaCTX-M, tetA, tetB, Sul-I, and Sul-II, were screened for phenotypically resistant E. coli isolates by the polymerase chain reaction.  Results: A total of 39 (78%) E. coli, 25 (50%) Staphylococcus spp., and 24 (48%) Streptococcus spp. isolates were isolated from the rectal swab, nasal swab, and skin swab samples, respectively. In the cultural sensitivity test, the E. coli isolates showed resistance to ceftriaxone (79%) and sulfa­methoxazole/trimethoprim (64%). Doxycycline (80%) demonstrated the highest resistance among Staphylococcus isolates, followed by sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (60%). Streptococcus iso­lates showed the highest resistance to penicillin (63%), followed by ceftriaxone (54%), while no isolate showed resistance to gentamycin. The prevalence of blaTEM, blaCTX-M, tetA, tetB, Sul-I, and Sul-II genes in phenotypically resistant E. coli isolates were 100%, 61.29%, 100%, 8.33%, 56%, and 72%, respectively.Conclusions: Spillover of such multidrug-resistant bacteria and resistance genes from pet dogs pose a serious public health risk. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(4): 669-677, Dec 2020 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2020.g466

Objectives: Antibacterial resistance is a great concern in human and food animal medicine, and it poses a significant concern in pet animals like dogs. This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance pattern of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp., and Streptococcus spp. along with the carryover of some resistance genes in E. coli from dogs in the Chattogram metropolitan area, Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: Rectal swab (n = 50), nasal swab (n = 50), and skin swab (n = 50) sam¬ples were collected from dogs having respiratory infections, skin infections, and/or enteritis, respectively. Three types of bacteria were identified and isolated by conventional bacteriological techniques and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out against 12 antimicrobials by disk diffusion methods. Six resistance genes, namely blaTEM, blaCTX-M, tetA, tetB, Sul-I, and Sul-II, were screened for phenotypically resistant E. coli isolates by the polymerase chain reaction. Results: A total of 39 (78%) E. coli, 25 (50%) Staphylococcus spp., and 24 (48%) Streptococcus spp. isolates were isolated from the rectal swab, nasal swab, and skin swab samples, respectively. In the cultural sensitivity test, the E. coli isolates showed resistance to ceftriaxone (79%) and sulfa¬methoxazole/trimethoprim (64%). Doxycycline (80%) demonstrated the highest resistance among Staphylococcus isolates, followed by sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (60%). Streptococcus iso¬lates showed the highest resistance to penicillin (63%), followed by ceftriaxone (54%), while no isolate showed resistance to gentamycin. The prevalence of blaTEM, blaCTX-M, tetA, tetB, Sul-I, and Sul-II genes in phenotypically resistant E. coli isolates were 100%, 61.29%, 100%, 8.33%, 56%, and 72%, respectively. Conclusions: Spillover of such multidrug-resistant bacteria and resistance genes from pet dogs pose a serious public health risk. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(4.000): 669-677]

Objective: This study aimed at determining the existence of oils and fats in ghee manufactured in Bangladesh and to validate the nature of the impurity.  Materials and Methods: In this study, a ghee sample was prepared in the laboratory by follow­ing standard methods and was used as a control sample. On the other hand, 19 ghee samples, including five branded samples (B1–B5), and 14 local samples (L1–L14) were collected from dif­ferent manufacturers. The ghee samples were assessed for fat composition, Reichert Meissl (RM), saponification, Polenske, acid, Kirschner, and butyro refractometer (BR) values. To validate the ghee samples, vegetable oils and body fats were mixed in different ratios and then analyzed.  Results: All the branded samples contained more than 99.5% fat, but only three local samples showed more than 97% fat. Admixing of soybean oil and coconut oil in different ratios showed the RM value from 1.57 ± 0.09 to 4.14 ± 0.21, whereas incorporation of hydrogenated vegetable oils and tallow showed 6.36 ± 0.03 to 14.10 ± 0.14. Nine local samples revealed RM values similar to external fat admixed samples. B2, B4, B5, L2–L8, and L10–L14 samples’ saponification values differed from the standard limits. Polenske, acid, Kirschner values and BR reading for L4, L6, L7, L8, L10, L12, L13, and L14 showed the worst results. All values varied significantly (p < 0.01).  Conclusion: Local samples, L4, L6, L7, L8, L10, L12, L13, and L14, were assumed to be adulterated with external oils and fats. The quality of local ghee is questionable, as the samples contained more than 8% moisture, whereas pure ghee had less than 0.5% moisture. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(4): 678-684, Dec 2020 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2020.g467

Objective: This study aimed at determining the existence of oils and fats in ghee manufactured in Bangladesh and to validate the nature of the impurity. Materials and Methods: In this study, a ghee sample was prepared in the laboratory by follow¬ing standard methods and was used as a control sample. On the other hand, 19 ghee samples, including five branded samples (B1B5), and 14 local samples (L1L14) were collected from dif¬ferent manufacturers. The ghee samples were assessed for fat composition, Reichert Meissl (RM), saponification, Polenske, acid, Kirschner, and butyro refractometer (BR) values. To validate the ghee samples, vegetable oils and body fats were mixed in different ratios and then analyzed. Results: All the branded samples contained more than 99.5% fat, but only three local samples showed more than 97% fat. Admixing of soybean oil and coconut oil in different ratios showed the RM value from 1.57 ± 0.09 to 4.14 ± 0.21, whereas incorporation of hydrogenated vegetable oils and tallow showed 6.36 ± 0.03 to 14.10 ± 0.14. Nine local samples revealed RM values similar to external fat admixed samples. B2, B4, B5, L2L8, and L10L14 samples saponification values differed from the standard limits. Polenske, acid, Kirschner values and BR reading for L4, L6, L7, L8, L10, L12, L13, and L14 showed the worst results. All values varied significantly (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Local samples, L4, L6, L7, L8, L10, L12, L13, and L14, were assumed to be adulterated with external oils and fats. The quality of local ghee is questionable, as the samples contained more than 8% moisture, whereas pure ghee had less than 0.5% moisture. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(4.000): 678-684]

Objective: This study investigated the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in retail poultry shops, characterized the antibiotic resistance profile, and detected the genotypic pattern of vir­ulence genes.  Materials and Methods: Broiler meat (n = 90), intestinal content (n = 40), and environmental samples (n = 95) were collected for this study. Besides, hand swabs (n = 20) were obtained from the poultry shop workers and stool samples (n = 40) were collected from the outpatient clinics of Beni-Suef University Hospital, Egypt. The samples were subjected to isolation and identification of L. monocytogenes by conventional bacteriological examinations and biochemical tests, followed by confirmatory identification by the polymerase chain reaction.  Results: Among the collected samples (n = 285), L. monocytogenes could be detected in 14.4% (n = 41/285) of the samples, where 30.0% (n = 12/40) of the intestinal content was positive. Similarly, 10.0% (n = 9/90), 15.0% (n = 3/20), and 12.5% (n = 5/40) of the samples of meat, hand swabs, and stools were found positive for L. monocytogenes, respectively. A total of 12 (12.6%) out of 95 environmental samples were positive for L. monocytogenes. Based on the antimicrobial sensitiv­ity profile, most of the recovered isolates were multidrug-resistant against most commonly used antibiotics.  Conclusion: The findings conclude that poultry shops play a vital role in transmitting L. monocy­togenes to the consumers. Asymptomatic poultry shop workers should draw attention to their potentials for spreading the infection to the consumers through the contaminated carcasses. Low hygienic standards are present in commercial poultry shops that increase the risk of contamina­tion in the sold products. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(4): 710-717, Dec 2020 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2020.g472

Objective: This study investigated the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in retail poultry shops, characterized the antibiotic resistance profile, and detected the genotypic pattern of vir¬ulence genes. Materials and Methods: Broiler meat (n = 90), intestinal content (n = 40), and environmental samples (n = 95) were collected for this study. Besides, hand swabs (n = 20) were obtained from the poultry shop workers and stool samples (n = 40) were collected from the outpatient clinics of Beni-Suef University Hospital, Egypt. The samples were subjected to isolation and identification of L. monocytogenes by conventional bacteriological examinations and biochemical tests, followed by confirmatory identification by the polymerase chain reaction. Results: Among the collected samples (n = 285), L. monocytogenes could be detected in 14.4% (n = 41/285) of the samples, where 30.0% (n = 12/40) of the intestinal content was positive. Similarly, 10.0% (n = 9/90), 15.0% (n = 3/20), and 12.5% (n = 5/40) of the samples of meat, hand swabs, and stools were found positive for L. monocytogenes, respectively. A total of 12 (12.6%) out of 95 environmental samples were positive for L. monocytogenes. Based on the antimicrobial sensitiv¬ity profile, most of the recovered isolates were multidrug-resistant against most commonly used antibiotics. Conclusion: The findings conclude that poultry shops play a vital role in transmitting L. monocy¬togenes to the consumers. Asymptomatic poultry shop workers should draw attention to their potentials for spreading the infection to the consumers through the contaminated carcasses. Low hygienic standards are present in commercial poultry shops that increase the risk of contamina¬tion in the sold products. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(4.000): 710-717]

Objective: Bilateral ureteral calculi, hydronephrosis, pyometra, pyocolpos, vestibulovaginal steno­sis, and imperforate hymen in a dog are uncommon and can be difficult to diagnose. The aim of this article is to report diagnostic challenges and successful surgical treatment of this rare event and the long-term outcomes.  Materials and methods: A 5-year-old, spayed (partial ovariohysterectomy) female dog was pri­marily diagnosed with bilateral hydronephrosis and ureter obstruction due to urolithiasis along with pyometra. The urolith was removed carefully by the right-side ureterectomy, an appropriate ureteral stent was inserted from the bladder to the right kidney, and then, a vasectomy and hys­terectomy were performed. The dog improved and was discharged. However, 50 days after sur­gery, pyocolpos due to imperforate hymen and vestibulovaginal stenosis were diagnosed and sur­gically corrected, and the ureteral stent was removed because the ureter had completely healed.  Results: During the first admission, serum biochemistry results revealed the increased blood urea nitrogen (5.9 mg/dl), creatinine (116.2 mg/dl), amylase (1,345 U/l), and lipase (141 U/l) values. After surgical correction, all parameters returned to normal. However, 50 days after surgery, the C-reactive protein concentration (143 mg/l) and white blood cell level increased (18.4 × 109/l). After a second surgical correction, the dog recovered fully within 10 days, and no postoperative complications were observed during the follow-up of 6 months.  Conclusion: This report provides diagnostic assistance and surgical treatment options for a com­plex urogenital case. Careful examination during puberty is recommended to prevent the associ­ated complications of this disorder. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(3): 384-390, Sep 2020 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2020.g432

Objective: Bilateral ureteral calculi, hydronephrosis, pyometra, pyocolpos, vestibulovaginal steno¬sis, and imperforate hymen in a dog are uncommon and can be difficult to diagnose. The aim of this article is to report diagnostic challenges and successful surgical treatment of this rare event and the long-term outcomes. Materials and methods: A 5-year-old, spayed (partial ovariohysterectomy) female dog was pri¬marily diagnosed with bilateral hydronephrosis and ureter obstruction due to urolithiasis along with pyometra. The urolith was removed carefully by the right-side ureterectomy, an appropriate ureteral stent was inserted from the bladder to the right kidney, and then, a vasectomy and hys¬terectomy were performed. The dog improved and was discharged. However, 50 days after surgery, pyocolpos due to imperforate hymen and vestibulovaginal stenosis were diagnosed and sur¬gically corrected, and the ureteral stent was removed because the ureter had completely healed. Results: During the first admission, serum biochemistry results revealed the increased blood urea nitrogen (5.9 mg/dl), creatinine (116.2 mg/dl), amylase (1,345 U/l), and lipase (141 U/l) values. After surgical correction, all parameters returned to normal. However, 50 days after surgery, the C-reactive protein concentration (143 mg/l) and white blood cell level increased (18.4 × 109/l). After a second surgical correction, the dog recovered fully within 10 days, and no postoperative complications were observed during the follow-up of 6 months. Conclusion: This report provides diagnostic assistance and surgical treatment options for a com¬plex urogenital case. Careful examination during puberty is recommended to prevent the associ¬ated complications of this disorder. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(3.000): 384-390]

Bluetongue (BT) is a vector-borne disease of ruminants caused by Bluetongue virus (BTV). Twenty-nine different serotypes of BTV are currently reported throughout the world. The main objective of this study is the development of a subunit vaccine model that could potentially be adapted to provide broad spectrum protection against multiple BTV serotypes, which the conventional vaccines fail to address. To this end, three different BTV proteins (conserved region of viral protein [VP]2, VP5 and NS1) were expressed and purified in an Escherichia coli expression system. The immunogenicity of these proteins was tested in murine models using the MontanideTM ISA 201 VG adjuvant. BALB/c mice were immunised thrice (with individual proteins and a mixture of three proteins) at two-week intervals and were monitored until Day 40 post-infection/vaccination. Protein-specific antibodies directed against the recombinant proteins were detected by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Neutralising antibody (Nab) titres and cross-neutralisation against a range of BTV serotypes (BTV-1, -2, -4, -5, -9, -10, -12, -16, -21, -23 and -24) were determined by serum neutralisation test. The recombinant proteins elicited higher Nab titres compared with the inactivated vaccine group, except for BTV-1, where the inactivated vaccine group elicited higher Nab titres. Additive effect of the three proteins was not observed as the Nab titres generated with a combination of conserved VP2, VP5 and NS1 was similar to those of the individual protein groups. Whilst BTV-12 could only be neutralised by serum raised against the inactivated vaccine group, BTV-5 and -24 could not be neutralised by any of the groups tested. Our cumulative data suggest that the conserved regions of VP2 (cVP2), VP5 and NS1 could play an important part in the novel vaccine design against multiple BTV serotypes. Importantly, given that VP2 was already known to elicit a serotype-specific immune response against BT, we report, for the first time, that the conserved region of VP2 has the ability to induce cross-protective immune response.

Bluetongue (BT) is a vector-borne disease of ruminants caused by Bluetongue virus (BTV). Twenty-nine different serotypes of BTV are currently reported throughout the world. The main objective of this study is the development of a subunit vaccine model that could potentially be adapted to provide broad spectrum protection against multiple BTV serotypes, which the conventional vaccines fail to address. To this end, three different BTV proteins (conserved region of viral protein [VP]2, VP5 and NS1) were expressed and purified in an Escherichia coli expression system. The immunogenicity of these proteins was tested in murine models using the MontanideTM ISA 201 VG adjuvant. BALB/c mice were immunised thrice (with individual proteins and a mixture of three proteins) at two-week intervals and were monitored until Day 40 post-infection/vaccination. Protein-specific antibodies directed against the recombinant proteins were detected by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Neutralising antibody (Nab) titres and cross-neutralisation against a range of BTV serotypes (BTV-1, -2, -4, -5, -9, -10, -12, -16, -21, -23 and -24) were determined by serum neutralisation test. The recombinant proteins elicited higher Nab titres compared with the inactivated vaccine group, except for BTV-1, where the inactivated vaccine group elicited higher Nab titres. Additive effect of the three proteins was not observed as the Nab titres generated with a combination of conserved VP2, VP5 and NS1 was similar to those of the individual protein groups. Whilst BTV-12 could only be neutralised by serum raised against the inactivated vaccine group, BTV-5 and -24 could not be neutralised by any of the groups tested. Our cumulative data suggest that the conserved regions of VP2 (cVP2), VP5 and NS1 could play an important part in the novel vaccine design against multiple BTV serotypes. Importantly, given that VP2 was already known to elicit a serotype-specific immune response against BT, we report, for the first time, that the conserved region of VP2 has the ability to induce cross-protective immune response.

The non-invasive monitoring of physiological stress can provide conservation and wildlife managers with an invaluable tool for assessing animal welfare and psychological health of captive and free-ranging populations. A significant decrease in free-ranging primate populations globally and an increase in captive-housed primates have led to a need to monitor the stress and general welfare of these animals. We examined the suitability of three enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for monitoring stress-related physiological responses in the samango monkey, Cercopithecus albogularis erythrarchus. We conducted an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge on a male and female at the National Zoological Garden, Pretoria, South Africa. Individual faecal samples were collected 8 days pre- and post-ACTH administration and subsequently analysed for faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) concentrations. During the study, biological stressors occurred for both the male and female. Two of the three EIAs tested (11-oxoetiocholanolone I and II) were able to reliably monitor fGCM alterations throughout the study period in both sexes. The 11-oxoetiocholanolone I EIA, however, had the lowest mean deviation from the calculated baseline value and was thus chosen as the preferred assay. Both the physiological activation of the stress response and the biological response to a stressor could be monitored with the chosen assay. The successful establishment of a reliable, non-invasive method for monitoring adrenocortical activity in C. albogularis erythrarchus will now allow conservationists, scientific researchers and wildlife managers to evaluate the level of stress experienced, and general welfare, by animals in captivity as well as free-ranging populations.

The non-invasive monitoring of physiological stress can provide conservation and wildlife managers with an invaluable tool for assessing animal welfare and psychological health of captive and free-ranging populations. A significant decrease in free-ranging primate populations globally and an increase in captive-housed primates have led to a need to monitor the stress and general welfare of these animals. We examined the suitability of three enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for monitoring stress-related physiological responses in the samango monkey, Cercopithecus albogularis erythrarchus. We conducted an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge on a male and female at the National Zoological Garden, Pretoria, South Africa. Individual faecal samples were collected 8 days pre- and post-ACTH administration and subsequently analysed for faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) concentrations. During the study, biological stressors occurred for both the male and female. Two of the three EIAs tested (11-oxoetiocholanolone I and II) were able to reliably monitor fGCM alterations throughout the study period in both sexes. The 11-oxoetiocholanolone I EIA, however, had the lowest mean deviation from the calculated baseline value and was thus chosen as the preferred assay. Both the physiological activation of the stress response and the biological response to a stressor could be monitored with the chosen assay. The successful establishment of a reliable, non-invasive method for monitoring adrenocortical activity in C. albogularis erythrarchus will now allow conservationists, scientific researchers and wildlife managers to evaluate the level of stress experienced, and general welfare, by animals in captivity as well as free-ranging populations.